It’s ‘number five is alive’ for the Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival in 2015. For those late to the party, the festival is the brainchild of local Colin Thompson and features four days of performances and workshops throughout Bendigo and surrounding towns. Putting on an event like this isn’t easy, so scattered throughout the year are several artist showcases and festival fundraisers. Ewes, Brews, Stews & Blues is a ripping family-friendly day out. It’s run in partnership with the Bendigo Festival of Lamb and Bendigo Beer and features plenty of great music and grub. Lining up you have Alawishus Jones & The Outright Lies, Alister Turrill & The Vagabond Brothers, Andy Garlick, CASS (Cassie Ward & Bianca Maes), DIGG, Josh Cashman, Josh Owen, Luke Harrington, Luke Watt, Sleepy West (Joel English & Band), Talisa Jobe and William Alexander. A highlight is sure to be the second heat of the Lazenby Young Blues Guitarist Award. At the time of writing the menu was being finalised, but you should be good to go now. Tickets are cheap, too, with adults $15, U18 a cool fiver and under 12s free. Goldmines Hotel, Bendigo – July 19. Further information on the showcase/fundraiser, as well as the festival, can be found through bendigobluesandroots.com.au.
